With the update of Apple iOS16 in September, iMessage has brought a function to edit or unsend messages in a chat. This feature can be a saviour in times of misspelled texts or incorrect words. Apple now helps users to rectify the text and send it again to the recipient.

Guide to ‘Unsend’ text with iMessage:
  • Head to Messages app in your iPhone
  • Touch and hold the message bubble, then tap Undo Send
Unsend option on iMessage

Unsend option on iMessage | Photo Credit: -

When one Unsends a text, there are few things that happens:
  • You can use the Unsend feature up to two minutes of sending a text across to other iMessage recipient
  • Note confirming that you unsent the message appears in both conversation transcripts: yours and the recipient’s
  • If someone you are texting is using a device with iOS 15.6 or earlier, iPadOS 15.6 or earlier, macOS 12 or earlier, or is using SMS, the original text remains in a message
  • When your message is unsent, you’re notified that the recipient may still see the original message in the message transcript
Unsent message notification

Unsent message notification | Photo Credit: -

Now ‘Edit’ an already sent message with iMessage

Here’s how you can edit a text you have already sent to someone. Only up to 15 minutes of time-gap is allowed.

Edit an already sent message

Edit an already sent message | Photo Credit: -

  • In the Messages app, tap on a conversation with the message you wish to edit
  • Touch and long hold the message bubble, then tap Edit
  • Make changes, then tap the Accept Changes button to resend with edits or the Cancel button to revert
  • The message is marked as Edited in the conversation transcript
Edit history

Edit history | Photo Credit: -

Things to remember when one wants to Edit a message
  • Maximum time a message can be edited is up to five times
  • The original message is enabled to the recipient to view before one decides to edit
  • The recipient can tap the ‘ edited message’ option and view the edit history
  • If someone is using a device with iOS 15.6 or earlier, iPadOS 15.6 or earlier, macOS 12 or earlier, or is using SMS, they receive a new message with your updated text
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